How Many Treats to Give Your Pet

We all love giving our pets treats, and they love getting them. The problem we quickly find ourselves in is giving too many treats throughout the day. Without thinking, we may grab a handful at a time. Anything can provide reason to give our furry loved ones a special treat, a job well done, a welcome home, a midday snack, a cute glance your way, or just because……and while that’s fine (most of the time) we need to be cautious of the amount we give and the types. There’s no “exact” number we can suggest as the rule of thumb when it comes to the amount of treats. It can also depend on the size of your dog or cat, the breeds health tendencies, specific diet requirements and more. As stated in pets.webmd.com treats should only be 10% of your pets diet. It’s up to you as a responsible pet owner to know and understand what diet restrictions are best. Establish a healthy schedule for your pets daily food and treat intake and stick to it.

Keep in mind that a “treat” for you pet can also be your undivided attention Take your dog for a walk or throw the ball around. Cuddle up with your cat or get out their favorite feather toy. If you know you’ve already given some treats and your dog is scratching at the treat cabinet or your cat is now knocking the treat bag off the counter, try to distract them with love and attention.

If giving a “food” treat is inevitable then think of healthy alternatives. Store bought treats can be high in sugars and fat. For your dog, “give them a baby carrot, a green bean, some broccoli, Those have virtually no calories, and dogs don’t care if you’re not giving them something meaty and fatty. They just want you to give them something.” “Try fruits, too. Banana slices, berries, watermelon and apple slices, (with no seeds, of course). Steer clear of grapes, raisins, onions, chocolate and anything with caffeine. These can be toxic to dogs.” For cats you can cook up and share small pieces of chicken, liver, fish, or eggs. Tuna and cheese can also be healthy snack options for your cat. Just remember, in moderation. Consider crowing some cat grass for your cat to have a safe green to chew on, it’s also beneficial for their digestive system.